Pandemic life has led to an uptick in work-from-home workspaces that are less than ideal for our bodies ergonomically. Combined with increased stress and more time in front of our devices, our bodies are aching. So it is no surprise that many are experiencing new aches, pains, and strains in their wrists, arms, neck, and shoulders. We are seeing a rise in overuse injuries and tendinitis. Here are a few insights, some quick care tips, and how massage alleviates some of this pain.
Tendonitis is…
Typically characterized as an overuse injury, caused by repetitive strain without adequate time for rest, recovery, and healing. When larger muscles become too tense lose their resilience from chronic tension or become exhausted, our tendons take over and work harder to stabilize and sustain our movements. However, tendons are less resilient than muscles and can become inflamed from repetitive excessive use. Tendons may swell or become injured, leading to joint pain, and stiffness.
In acute tendonitis compression and cold packs may be used to reduce swelling and pain. Rest becomes critically important to the recovery of overused tendons. This is why your doctor may recommend wrist braces, compression bandages, and changes to your work setup or taking a break from the ways you are using your body.
Physical Therapy
A physical therapist can assess and a physiotherapist can help guide your recovery and strengthen key areas with exercises for healthier movement, and give you tips for reducing the strain on tendons. The physio will have some ideas for how to increase the range of motion, reducing pain and inflammation in your hands, wrists, and shoulders.
Massage Therapy
Can lessen pain, while reducing muscle tension; assist with increasing circulation to affected areas, while promoting mobility and a greater range of motion. Massage therapy can be an effective approach for recovery and prevention of repetitive strain injuries like tendonitis.
Ask your massage therapist, physiotherapist, or doctor for further information about how to prevent and recover from tension, pain, and tendinitis. You don't need to live in discomfort, there are options and solutions. If you suspect tendonitis is developing in your wrists, forearms, or shoulders, or you’ve noticed the onset of some new pains and or inflammation surrounding your key joints, it may be time to have a doctor or physiotherapist assess the health of your tendons. Reducing inflammation, while allowing adequate recovery between exertion for the longevity of your hands, wrists, and arms in your work and leisure life.